Lawrence Maleka is one of Mzansi’s favourite actors and he is returning to Mzansi Magic screens in a new role on the channel’s newest drama series “Critical But Stable”.
Based on novelist Angela Makholwa’s bestseller, “Critical But Stable” is a 13-episode drama series that follows the life of a struggling businessman, Duke, who ropes his friends into an insurance scam to save both his ailing wife and his failing business.
Maleka stars as Mzi on the drama series, a man who needs money to pay his son’s university fees and hides the secret that he can’t sexually satisfy his wife.
The SAFTA award-winning actor shared that he was drawn to “Critical But Stable” because it is based on Angela Makholwa’s book, which already had a strong following and reputation, and the cast.
“There was a lot of talent involved, and that’s always exciting as an actor because you’re constantly being challenged. And finally, Mzi was different from anything I’d done before, which made the opportunity even more appealing,” said the actor.
“Critical But Stable” is a drama series that follows the life of a struggling businessman, Duke, who ropes his friends into an insurance scam to save both his ailing wife and his failing business.
Maleka explained that he appreciated the story’s realism, focusing on ordinary people rather than superheroes or larger-than-life characters.
“I think that’s what will keep audiences invested because you can understand how these characters got themselves into these situations, even when you don’t agree with their choices.”
Maleka enjoyed unpacking the layers to Mzi, and as he read the script, he got more curious about him.
He added that many people will relate to the realities of wanting to do better for the people they love. “The pressure might look different for different people, but that responsibility is something most of us understand.
“What I found interesting about Mzi is that his intentions are often good, but the decisions he makes don’t always lead him where he wants to go.”
To prepare for the character, Maleka tried to understand who the person is beyond what’s on the page, spending time speaking to people, listening to different perspectives, and trying to grasp the emotional reality of what Mzi is dealing with.
Actress Motsoaledi Setumo stars as Lerato, Maleka’s on-screen partner, for whom he has nothing but praise. To build chemistry, the two spent a lot of time together on set, having conversations and getting comfortable with each other as scene partners.
“Once that trust is there, the chemistry tends to develop naturally,” he said.
“Critical But Stable” is also co-executive produced by Makholwa and produced by Barkers Media and is set to start airing on Sundays from July 26, 2026, on Channel 161 at 8.00pm.
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